Ground Cover - Shrubs
Benchmark Value
Scoring Curve
The scoring engine could not generate a curve for this benchmark context. The primary form is Point, but the benchmark data may be missing required fields (e.g., optimal range bounds for an OptimalRange benchmark). This is typically a data quality issue in the benchmark pipeline.
Contributing Benchmarks
Evidence & Context
A lower critical threshold of 12.5% was identified for communities classified as "Sub-alpine Shrubland." Below this level of cover, the system is considered to have lost its characteristic structural complexity and receives a score of 0 in habitat quality assessments.
Percent cover of canopy (shrubs)
Boundary below which subalpine shrubland is considered to have "minimal" quality.
Applies specifically to the shrubland context.
Sources (1)
Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority. (2004). Assessment of Habitat Quality: Subalpine.
View SourceSupporting Sources (6)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Snowy Monaro Regional Council. (2014). Lake Wallace Offset Management Plan.
View SourceDepartment of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania. (2025). TASVEG 5.0 Metadata Statement – November 2025.
View Source
NSW Department of Planning and Environment. (2023). Kosciuszko Offset Strategy 2023: Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens.
View SourceInvasive Species Council. (2023). Feral Horses in the Australian Alps: Submission to Senate Enquiry.
View Source
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. (2006). Lowland Native Grasslands of Tasmania Listing Advice.
View SourceWilliams, R. J., Papst, W. A., & McDougall, K. L. (2020). Subalpine grasslands of the Australian Alps are resilient to a single fire. Australian Journal of Botany, 68(2), 141-151.
View Source